Consent and the media

An FPA survey Sexual Health Week 2018 revealed that 38% of people said they learnt about consent from TV and film. But what’s presented as romantic and desirable behaviour in a Hollywood sex scene, is often anything but.

Think about your favourite film… Do any of the love scenes follow these rules? Consent has been verbally given, or asked for. There is no coercion involved: violence, threat, pressure, asking multiple times until they say yes (persistence). None of the characters involved are intoxicated. None of the characters are underage. Each of the characters involved are giving verbal and non-verbal cues that they want to have sex. Bonus points if condoms are involved!

Good examples of consent in films

What do you think is good about this? Frozen What do you think is good about this?

Scott Pilgrim vs The World

10 Things I Hate About You

Bad examples of consent in films

Goldfinger

The Notebook

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Remember that films aren’t an accurate representation of real life Remember that films aren’t an accurate representation of real life. What might appear sexy on screen might not work for the person you’re with.

Where to get help If you’ve been raped or assaulted and you need urgent medical care, call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) and ask for an ambulance, or go straight to your nearest A&E. You can also call 999 (or 112 from a mobile) if you wish to speak to the police. A doctor or nurse can help you get emotional support. They may have to talk about what happened with other people but they'll talk to you about this first.

Where to get help Rape Crisis England and Wales Rape Crisis Scotland Support for people in England and Wales who have experienced rape, child sexual abuse or any kind of sexual violence Phone: 0808 802 9999 (Every day from 12pm - 2.30pm and 7pm - 9.30pm) www.rapecrisis.org.uk Rape Crisis Scotland Phone: 0808 801 03 02 (Every day from 6pm – 12am) www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline (Northern Ireland) Support, advice and signposting service run by Women’s Aid for people of all genders in Northern Ireland who have been affected by domestic or sexual violence Phone: 0808 802 1414 www.womensaidni.org Childline Help and emotional support for people aged 18 or under Phone: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk Switchboard – the LGBT+ helpline Support and advice for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or other identities (LGBTI+) Phone: 0300 330 0630 www.switchboard.lgbt